SCRIPTURE - Philippians 4:10-13 (NIV)

“I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

There are few things more difficult for us to learn than to be content with our circumstances. Almost all the media we consume on a daily basis is designed to create in us a lack of contentment. Marketers want us to know that, without their product, we will not be healthy, will not get the pleasure we deserve in life, will not be secure and certainly not be happy. Much of the advertising messages we receive are designed to create in us a need, desire or some fear so that we purchase their goods or services. We are bombarded with messages designed to create a lack of contentment in our souls. And they are often successful.

When we live with a lack of contentment, we will not be happy and cannot live with thankfulness to God. Plus, it is a trap. We believe that we cannot be happy until we achieve or acquire more and when we do, it doesn’t bring satisfaction or happiness. We start with a heart that is discontent and we end with a heart that is discontent. Either way, we lose. And in either case, we cannot live a life of thanksgiving to God.

Living with contentment, however, is a great gift. It is also how God wants us to live. Paul, who is sitting in prison when he writes this letter to the Philippians, says, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty.” I love the words of Paul when he says that he has learned to live with contentment. It does not come automatically. It is a matter of how we choose to think and who we choose to trust. 

What was Paul’s secret for contentment? It is found in this sentence: “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” It was in his profound trust in God, and God’s strength, that he was able to deal with times of plenty and times of scarcity. In both situations, God and His strength were present. Contentment comes not from the external world but from our inner life where God resides. That was the secret Paul recognized.

It is natural to wish that things were different in our lives. I am sure that Paul wished he was not in prison. I am sure that he preferred to be well fed, rather than hungry. Having read his story, I am sure that Paul preferred a secure life over the many insecurities he faced. But, he chose to push into God’s strength in his troubles and to choose contentment with his situation over discontent. After all, God was with him, God’s strength was in him. His choice gave him peace at heart and confidence no matter what the situation. As he said, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Father, would You teach me to be content, even at times when I wish life were different? Teach me to give my discontent to You, to trust You and the strength You give me each day. Help me understand that true contentment comes from You, rather than from my circumstances. Thank You for the gifts You have given and for Your presence in my life. Amen.